Extra Info:
I composed this image with asymmetrical balance in mind. Such balance occurs on two levels. The first is asymmetry between the large statue on the left with the smaller people on the right. The second is asymmetry between the darker left side of the image with the relatively lighter right side.

13 comments on this entry

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RobertLavkerDec 22, 2015

Thanks to all for their votes and comments. I have tried this shot countless times over several years and never quite seem to get precisely what I want.

Jade O.Dec 21, 2015

Top 10!

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Jade O.Dec 21, 2015

Seems very bleak to me and reminds me of the coldness of the city. Not sure if that was the intent but it effectively conveys that to me.

LoDec 21, 2015

Great composition - I agree with your assessment of the balances shown. Well done.

MepoDec 20, 2015

A classic example of asymmetrical composition. I especially like that you have the statue's back towards the viewer. This precludes it from drawing attention away from the rest of the scene. If you are referring to the balance between the light sky and the buildings then I agree, but I'd also point out that the glass building in the background is a great help in balancing the wall of stone buildings which tend to become monotonous. Another point of balance is the wall on the right which leads the eye in nicely.

dkDec 20, 2015

I like what you want to do here, your vision, I just feel that this shot is actually not proportioned well and needs different POV. The large arm over the top of relatively tiny appearing lamp post; all too weighted to the left side. Maybe a different angle (like could you bring a ladder onto Michigan Ave and shoot down on a thereby somewhat more diminutive looking statue...just kidding). Edited on Dec 20, 2015

aoc46Dec 20, 2015

Very nice composition. I'd say that the statue and the tall building at right also are balance elements - maybe wouldn't have cropped so tight on that side.

ElyodDec 20, 2015

A great interpretation of the theme. Skewing definitely improved the shot and it's something I'll work with more often. In my TT.

johncomynDec 19, 2015

Great point of view, you got the framing just right.

Anthony ComynDec 19, 2015

Interesting image, however I don't feel the balance is working. The large statue and the large building on the left is very strong from a dominance perspective. The smaller figures do supply some counter balance and so do the smaller buildings, but not nearly enough to balance out the left side. I am not sure I agree with your assessment that the sky is a counter balance, for this to happen it would need to have a lot more contrast, and with these clouds it just won't be possible.

ysalDec 18, 2015

Yes it looks balanced to me too. Very nice composition and subject.

forkcandles Dec 18, 2015

a couple of steps back and the hand of the statue would use the lamp standard as an aid

SteveBeeDec 18, 2015

Balance aside, the framing is too tight for the statue I think. I do like the extended arm of the statue leading into the frame. Edited on Dec 18, 2015